Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Reel Reviews And Other Works: 2009/03

26 March 2009

Our Great Nation

As a taxpayer funding the AIG bailout, I am OUTRAGED. That the bailout money funded by tax dollars was used to pay bonuses [six figure bonuses!] to AIG managers is an unconscionable act of greed and mismanagement.

Any argument regarding contracts and "negotiated" or guaranteed payments is further evidence of management greed! A wise and honest manager would recognize their responsibility to the company and their own role in the failure of that company. Such managers would take the loss and offer humble apologies to those they failed.

Across the country employees are being asked to give back salaries and benefits to relieve their overburdened employers. Hard working men and women who dare not dream of salary bonuses even as little as ten percent of what AIG managers received are making sacrifices giving back ten percent [and more] of their salaries and benefits. These employees struggle every day to support their households, they eke out a living, lucky to have a week's vacation, more lucky to travel within the United States... while these managers keep second homes and travel to other countries for extended periods of time!

Those making the sacrifice are those who can least afford it. What the AIG managers have done is more than a slap in the face, It Is An Affront To The Dignity And Generosity Of Those Who Are The Foundation Of This Nation.

SHAME On Them!

That portion of the AIG bailout which they've taken MUST be returned -- even if it must be garnished or withheld or by court order drawn directly from your bank accounts!

It is my sincere hope that justice will be done here AND in the future more reverence will be paid to the working men and women of our great nation.

Frank Words
By Frank Jaymes

Race To Witch Mountain

A fun race for those who remember the first trip to Witch Mountain and for those who are making the trip for the first time.

When an extra-terrestrial object entering Earth’s atmosphere changed course a call to arms went out and the hunt began. Unbeknownst to Jack Bruno, a not-so-simple cab driver, the two kids seeking a ride are far more than they appear and the men chasing after the cab aren’t coming for him. They mean us no harm but if they do not find what they seek, retrieve their space craft and get home – two worlds are doomed! But, short-sighted soldiers and nefarious criminals aren’t the only people chasing after these two kids... the real enemy is far more dangerous!

Simply written and directed, the charm of this film is in the performances – and the nostalgia! Fans of the classic Witch Mountain films will recognize Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann in their brief but pivotal roles.

C / PG
Starring: Dwayne Johnson; Anna Sophia Robb; and, Alexander Ludwig
Featuring: Carla Gugino; Ciaran Hinds; and , Tom Everett Scott
With: Kim Richards; Ike Eisenmann; Garry Marshall; and, Cheech Marin
Writers: Mark Bomback; Andy Fickman; Matt Lopez; and, Lloyd Taylor
Director: Andy Fickman

Reel Review by Frank Jaymes
20 March 2009

25 March 2009

Collectibles And Novelties

THE TOP TEN: Ultimatum; Batman; Hulk; Wolverine; Uncanny X-Men; Amazing Spider-Man; Captain America; Buffy (The Vampire Slayer); Justice Society; and, Detective Comics.

THE SPLASH PAGE: Following the “Secret Invasion” Marvel is launching a “War of Kings”! From armed conflict, Krypton is reborn! Batman has perished, now the “Battle for the Cowl” has begun! The world is no longer big enough for two bearers of the Witchblade! IDW is now the publisher of the G.I. Joe franchise, set to launch with a series of movie prequels. Boom Studios has teamed with Disney-Pixar to put “The Incredibles” [and others] on store shelves! Marvel’s collaboration with Stephen King is continuing with “The Stand”. Warren Ellis’ “best selling” “Anna Mercury” is now available in soft-cover and hard-cover trades. With talent such as Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman and Dave Gibbons, the relaunch of [Wil Eisner’s] “The Spirit” has been a phenomenal success! With “The Watchmen” film coming soon [to theaters and IMAX] the works of Alan Moore are in demand; likewise, buzz over the upcoming “Star Trek” film has given rise to much new and relaunched material!

DARK HORSE COMICS: Titles Available Include – Applegeeks; [Boris Karloff:] Tales of Mystery; B.P.R.D.; Conan (The Cimmerian); Hellboy; Star Wars: Knights / Republic; Star Wars: Legacy; and, The Goon. Other Items Available Include – B.P.R.D.: The Warning (TPB) {$18}; Little Lulu: The Alamo [& other stories] (TPB) {$15}; Star Wars: Clone Wars - Wind Raiders (Digest) {$8}; and, Tarzan: The Jesse Marsh Years [volumes 1 & 2] (HC) {$50 ea}; and, [Will Eisner’s The] Spirit - The New Adventures [Archives] (HC) {$50}. Merchandise Available Including – Simpsons Classic Character [#1] - Homer Simpson {$50}.

DC COMICS: With the war against the Dark Trinity at a fever pitch, Krona’s emergence will have destructive consequences and our only hope is to find and bring back the exiled three - Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman! {#40 to 43} Fighting to survive the Final Crisis, Superman and the Legion founders battle the Time Trapper while the legionnaires war with Superboy-Prime and his Legion of Super-Villains! {... Worlds 5} New Krypton has been born, The Phantom Zone is lost and Superman is missing! {#686} In a “World Without Superman”, can Mon-El; The Guardian; Nightwing; and, Flamebird keep Metropolis safe?! {Action Comics 875} New Krypton is a reality and Kal-El is thrust into “interstellar treachery and deadly machinations [with] the lives of two racing [hanging] in the balance”! {World / Krypton 1 (of 12)} A dead body in the harbor; a search for Reactron; and, the mystery of Superwoman has Supergirl very busy! {#39} With assistance from Robin and Dr. Irons, Batman will counter “The Revenge of The Prankster” ... or Superman will be lost forever! {World’s Finest 57}

With Batman gone, Gotham City is in turmoil and the Battle For The Cowl has begun! {# 1 (of 3) + crossover one-shots} Gotham is ripe for the return of Azrael: Death’s Dark Knight! {# 1 (of 3)} She has disbanded her Birds of Prey and returned to Gotham, now Barbara Gordon is caught in the crossfire of The Calculator’s quest for Anti-Life! {Oracle 1 (of 3)} Batman and Riddler team-up to solve the riddles of King Tut. {... Confidential 27} Batman’s most dangerous enemies join forces with Midnight! {Gotham After Midnight 11 (of 12)} To defeat Chronos and restore the time-line, Booster Gold will partner with a time-lost Booster Gold! {#18} Is Black Canary responsible for Star City’s newest menace? {Green Arrow 18} While Wonder Woman is battling Genocide, Zeus has created a new messenger of peace and sent him forth to deliver it “by any means necessary”! {#30}

Mongul has all of Daxam and the Sinestro Corps, the “Blackest Night” has come! {Green Lantern Corps 34} The Orange Lanterns have launched against Green Lantern and the Blackest Night shall come! {#40} The Final Crisis had ended and the Justice League is nearly done! {#31} Billy Batson has been banished from the Rock of Eternity; so, the Justice Society must “call upon an old friend” to stop Black Adam and his family “once and for all”! {#25}

The freshman Outsiders roster must engage The Insiders to preserve “the future of [human]kind”! {#16} Regrouping, following the loss of one of their own, The Titans discover a “Deathtrap” looming for all! {#11} With an all-new roster, the Teen Titans have little time to prepare for the “Deathtrap” coming! {#69}
Simon Dark and his family “cope with [a] gruesome” loss. {#18} Bloody and ragged, the Secret Six “fight their way through throngs” of heroes to discover “the man pulling the strings” of this villainous affair. {#7} Hunting for Jericho, Vigilante is interrogating the Titans. {#4}

He’s been “torturing and experimenting on people for years” but this “Sawbones” has never encountered anyone like Jonah Hex! {#41} Why is Lorelei Rox (“the most beautiful voice in Central City”) singing for Octopus?! {The Spirit 27} It’s a battle royal, the “greatest warriors of all time” vs. “something mightier than all of them”. {The War That Time Forgot 11 (of 12)} The hunt for a possible serial killer will take Mulder and Scully into the “Hollow Earth”! {X-Files 5} “All of the secrets are revealed” before the “Great Fables Crossover Event”. {Jack Of Fables 32} In an epilogue to “The Dark Ages”, is true love possible for Boy Blue and Rose Red? {Fables 82} Sex, suspicions and treachery are in store for Harry Bailey. {House Of Mystery 11} Some memories are so vicious, some demons so horrible, one should never reveal them! {Hellblazer 253} The machinations of the Phantom Stranger near their completion. {Madame Xanadu 9} Ragnar and his Irish army break the back of the Vikings, prepared to bring about Magnus’ execution. {Northlanders 16} Welcome to Browning, Arizona, where your “wildest dreams and darkest desires come true”, “life without consequences - enjoy it while it lasts”! {Young Liars 13}

Other Items Available Include: [Absolute] V For Vendetta (HC) {$99}; Hellblazer Presents: Chaz - The Knowledge (TPB) {$15}; Jonah Hex: Bullets Don’t Lie (TPB) {$15}; Justice League: The Second Coming (HC) {$20}; Justice Society: Thy Kingdom Come - Part 1 (TPB) {$15}; Scalped [v. 4]: The Gravel In Your Guts (TPB) {$15}; The Question: Welcome To Oz (TPB) {$20}; and, Y: The Last Man [Deluxe Edition] 2 (HC) {$30}.

Titles For The Kids Including: Batman - Brave [a/t] Bold; Cartoon Network Block Party; Looney Tunes; Super Friends; Supergirl - Cosmic Adventures [in the 8th Grade]; and, Tiny Titans.

IMAGE COMICS: Titles Available Include – Amber Atoms; Astounding Wolf-Man; Black Vault; Dynamo [Five]; Invincible; Savage Dragon; Soul Kiss; Spawn; The Darkness; and, Witchblade. Other Items Available Include – American Flagg [v.] 2 (TPB) {$20}; Brit [v.] 3 (TPB) {$17}; Girls & Goddesses (HC) {$30}; and, Liberty Meadows [v. 4]: Cold, Cold Heart (TPB) {$15}.

MARVEL COMICS: Titles Available Include – Amazing Spider-Girl; Amazing Spider-Man; Avengers; Avengers-Invaders; Black Panther; Cable; Captain America; Daredevil; Dark Avengers; Eternals; Fantastic Four; Ghost Rider; Guardians [o/t] Galaxy; Incredible Hercules; Invincible Iron Man; Iron Fist; Moon Knight; Ms. Marvel; Nova; Runaways; Skaar (Son of Hulk); Squadron Supreme; Thor; Uncanny X-Men; War Machine; Wolverine; Wolverine: Origins; X-Force; X-Men; and, Young X-Men.

FROM THE BACK RACK: Titles Available Including – Angel; Anna Mercury; Arabian Nights: Adventures of Sinbad; Archie; Battlestar Galactica; Ben10 Alien Force; Betty; Caped; [Disney-Pixar’s] Cars; Doctor Who; [Jim Butcher’s] Dresden Files; [Terry Moore’s] Echo; Eureka; Farscape; Futurama Comics; Ghost Whisperer; G.I. Joe; Gold Digger; Grimm Fairy Tales; Hexed; Jughead; Jungle Girl; [Patricia Brigg’s] Mercy Thompson; [Dean Koontz’s] Nevermore; Ninja High School; Power [o/t] Valkyrie; Ray Harryhausen Presents [: 10th Muse]; Rawbone; Red Sonja; Remnant; Robinson Crusoe; Salem’s Daughter; Simpsons Comics; Speed Racer; Star Trek; [C.E. Murphy’s] Take A Chance; Tarot (Witch [o/t] Black Rose); Terminator; [Disney-Pixar’s] The Incredibles; The Man With No Name; The Muppet Show; The Phantom; Transformers; Uncle Scrooge; Vincent Price Presents; Voyages [o/t] She-Buccaneer; Walt Disney Comics; Warlock; and, Zorro... plus, a mass quantity of magazines; books; apparel; toys; models, statues; imports; prints; posters; collectibles and novelties!

From Previews Catalog January 2009
reposted from January 2009

03 March 2009

Watchmen

You’ve never seen super heroes like these!

The year is 1985. President Richard Nixon has been elected to his fifth term in office. The world is on the brink of nuclear armageddon. The masked heroes of old are gone. Humankind’s one hope is Dr. Manhattan, a nuclear man who has lost all his humanity, believing human life is parasitic and pointless. Tonight, in the city, a comedian is killed. And, tomorrow the world will end.

This film is brilliantly written, though with great foreboding and dread. The direction here is spot-on, exactly what readers of the graphic novel would expect. Most impressive are the performances, especially Jackie Earle Haley and Billy Crudup!

{Why Alan Moore demanded his name be removed from this production is beyond my comprehension!}

B / R

Starring: Malin Ackerman; Billy Crudup; Jackie Earle Haley; and, Patrick Wilson
Featuring: Matthew Goode and Jeffrey Dean Morgan
With: Matt Frewer and Carla Gugino
Writer: Alex Tse [from the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons]
Director: Zack Snyder

Reel Review by Josef

02 March 2009

Coraline

Somehow familiar and without true excitement.

Coraline doesn’t like her new home. She doesn’t particularly like her parents either. And, the neighbor boy stalking her isn’t a friend she would choose. What’s a girl to do with so little... go somewhere much bigger, much more fun, somewhere hidden, secret – but is it safe?

A simple, twisted, tale. Brilliantly animated and decently performed.

C / PG





 
Starring: Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher
Featuring: John Hodgman and Ian McShane
With: Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders
Writer: Henry Selick [from the book by Neil Gaiman]
Director: Henry Selick


Reel Review by Josef

Sweeney Todd

Attend The Tale Of Sweeney Todd!

Wrongfully imprisoned, a man has returned to London for reunion and revenge. Alas, his wife and child have been taken from him. With his beloved spouse there can be no reunion and his child too may be forever lost to him. Revenge would seem to be all there can be for Mr. Sweeney Todd – but how to do it? Razor in hand, he will return to the work for which he was once most famed... they will come to him and the blood will flow!

An amazingly macabre tale with brilliant song. Astonishingly performed and superbly directed - this live-stage production is not to be missed!

A+ / R

Starring: Marissa McGowan; Kristie Dale Sanders; Stephen Tewksbury; and, James Van Treuren.
Featuring: Leslie Becker; Daniel Bogart; Roland Rusinek; and, Brad Weinstock.
With: Ron DeStefano and Don Mayo.
Writers: Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim [from an adaption by Christopher Bond]
Director: Mark Cuddy

Reel Review by Josef

Push

Something like [NBC’s] “Heroes” on the silver screen.

They’ve been among us for years. They are something more than human, something extraordinary. Taken from their homes, hidden, studied, tested and used. Now is the time foretold, when one of their number will bring about their salvation... but first there must be a revolution.

The story here is not especially strong but if this is just the beginning, a story which is a bit weak and slow should be expected. Typical of action genre films, there is an uneven hand in it’s direction. This is a light load for the performers to carry but they do carry it well.

C / PG2


Starring: Chris Evans; Dakota Fanning; and, Camilla Belle.
Featuring: Djimon Hounsou
With: Cliff Curtis
Writer: David Bourla
Director: Paul McGuigan


Reel Review by Josef

He's Just Not That Into You

A bit too much to be truly romantic, too much like daytime drama – but if you’re into soaps....

The lives and relationships of seven people are interwoven in this story of what woman want, what men need, and what will make or break them. More, this is a story of love and hope and finding the jewel hidden right in front of your eyes.

Decently written and directed, the strength of this film is the brilliant performances!

B / PG2





Starring: Ben Affleck; Jennifer Aniston; Jennifer Connelly; Ginnifer Goodwin; and, Justin Long.
Featuring: Drew Barrymore; Bradley Cooper; and, Scarlett Johansson.
With: Kevin Connolly and Kris Kristofferson.
Writers: Abby Kohn and Mark Silverstein [from the book by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo]
Director: Ken Kwapis


Reel Review by Josef

Sahara Nights

A terrific live-stage event!

Once upon a time there was a bored king and a young woman with a love for stories. To relieve the king’s boredom and ease the anxiety of his tyrannized people, she will tell the tales of three men: a daring peasant; an adventurous captain; and, a foolish emperor.

In this production, the popular tales of Shaharazad are retooled for popular culture and delightful humor. Music and song bring more energy to the stage and heighten the audience’s pleasure.

Brilliantly written, set and performed, this production is proof positive of the absolute value of music, drama and arts programs in school!

A / PG

Starring: Mason Ames; Kaylin Cervini; Mike Flanagan; Stephanie Summa; Robert Swanger; and, Samantha Thomas.
Featuring: Sydney Abbate; Anthony Grieco; Aaron Grippo; Moira Madden; Jen Reeves; and, Alex Sinanan.
With: Molly Bliss; Christina Grieco; Chris Mumpton; Jason Phillips; and, Alayna Zimbrich.
Writer(s): Hilton High School Drama Club [adapted from the work of Wade Bradford]
Directors: Leah Oltean and Mike Flanagan

Reel Review by Josef